Thursday, December 20, 2007

Britney Spears' sixteen year old sister Jamie Lynn Spears, a high school junior not known to be in a serious relationship, is pregnant.

Jamie, 16, and her mum, Lynne, confirmed the pregnancy to America's OK! magazine. She's apparently 12 weeks along, and the father of the baby is her long-term boyfriend, Casey Alridge.

Jamie told OK!: "It was a shock for both of us, so unexpected. I was in complete and total shock and so was he."

She waited two weeks before telling her parents and told the magazine: "I needed to work out what I would do for myself before I let anyone's opinion affect my decision. Then I told my parents and my friends. I was scared, but I had to do what was right for me."

Mum Lynne told OK!: "I didn't believe it because Jamie Lynn's always been so conscientious. She's never late for her curfew. I was in shock. I mean, this is my 16-year-old baby."

Casey's mum, Joyce, told TMZ she was aware of the interview and pregnancy, and that "we are in agreement with everything that was said by Jamie Lynn".

When asked whether she was in a relationship, Jamie recently told the Associated Press:

"I kind of just keep my options open. I have a bunch of friends that I always hang out with, a bunch of guy friends."

Jamie stars as a schoolgirl in the comedy television show Zoey 101 produced by American cable television network Nickelodeon.A statement issued by Nickelodeon states:

"We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being."